Effectiveness of Waterproof, Breathable Handwear in a Cold Environment

摘要

Cooling of the hands has been implicated as a cause for reduced endurance time,loss of manual dexterity and general discomfort during cold exposure. An extended exposure to cold-wet weather can result in rapid cooling of the extremities from the conduction of heat through wet layers of insulation. Historically, military campaigns conducted in cold-wet conditions have resulted in a high incidence of immobilizing cold injuries to ground troops wearing clothing incapable of providing adequate insulative and moisture protection relative to the combat theater. In a questionnaire given to 2000 United Kingdom troops immediately following the Falkland Islands War in 1982, cold hands were recorded as one of the three major medical problems during all ground operations. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate physiological responses when subjects wore waterproof, breathable handwear while sitting and exercising in a cold environment. Specifically, the study was designed to show if the would meet certain performance requirements and provide adequate protection to military personnel wearing a recently-developed cold weather clothing system.